GO Transit Station Secondary Plan adopted in Lincoln

​Another significant milestone has been achieved on our move towards
daily GO Train service in Niagara with the adoption of the Beamsville GO
Transit Station Secondary Plan at Lincoln Town Council on May 22, 2018.

Although the Niagara Region
and Town of Lincoln have yet to receive confirmation of GO Rail service to Beamsville,
identified as a future potential station in GO Transit’s 2011 Environmental
Study Report, the Secondary Plan equips the Town with a comprehensive policy
set that will ensure transit-supportive development and redevelopment around
the potential future station site. The site is located on the southwest side of
the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) at Ontario Street interchange, north of the
existing rail line.

A significant benefit of
implementing a Secondary Plan prior to the confirmation of GO Rail service to
Beamsville is that it enables the Town to proactively identify and phase for
capital improvements necessary to accommodate growth pressures associated to
the service arrival.

The Secondary Plan envisions a
complete community which emphasizes safe and efficient travel for residents who
live in the area, as well as for those accessing the potential future station
site. Policies are designed to plan for and permit land uses, building heights,
and public spaces which respect and complement the character of the existing community.

The Secondary Plan has been completed
in close partnership between Niagara Region and the Town of Lincoln, and shaped
through extensive input provided by residents and stakeholders. Subsequent to
the May 22, 2018 adoption at Town Council, the Secondary Plan will be brought to
Niagara Regional Council for final approval.

The Beamsville GO Transit
Station Secondary Plan is one of four secondary plans Niagara is actively
working on - the other secondary plan areas being located in Grimsby, St.
Catharines, and Niagara Falls. These locations are part of Niagara’s larger
efforts to improve transit in the Region and ensure that we are ready for daily
GO Train service when it arrives with stops in Grimsby by 2021, and St.
Catharines and Niagara Falls by 2023.​

​

Quotes

"This is another successful step for our Council in preparing for daily GO Train service. Having secondary plans like this in place for future developments ensures that we are ready and prepared for GO Train expansion when it happens. This is excellent news for Lincoln and important progress for all of Niagara." ~ Alan Caslin, Niagara Regional Chair

"Lincoln’s approval of the Beamsville GO Transit Secondary Plan demonstrates our commitment to transit in Lincoln. As one of the fastest growing municipalities, this amendment to our Official Plan, along with our intramunicipal transit pilot uLinc, shows our continued readiness to move people across Lincoln and Niagara." ~ Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln